An easy way to get ahead of the game this holiday season is to start writing your Christmas cards now. This traditional part of the holidays can sometimes seem like a chore when the season gets busy. But if you are organized and follow this plan it will be easy!
Once you have purchased your Christmas cards, take time to address all of the envelopes, add the stamps and your return address. Then every day for the next couple of weeks, write notes and sign several cards. You will have everyone one done before you know it! Don’t forget to keep a few cards extra on hand for anyone you might have forgotten.
Another way to get ahead of the game is to start baking your cookies and breads now. Store them carefully in the freezer. Then during the hectic days around Christmas, you will have cookies to share with family and friends, without any fuss! Here is my favorite family cut out cookie recipe. It is thin and crisp. Perfect with a cup of tea when you are writing out those Christmas cards.
Christmas Cookies
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Margarine
1 Egg
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Tablespoon Milk
2 Cups Flour
1-1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Mix sugar and margarine thoroughly. Beat in egg, vanilla and milk. Add flour, salt and baking powder making sure to beat well. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Roll out thin on floured pastry cloth and cut out with cookie cutters. Sprinkle with colored sugar (or frost after baking when cooled). Bake in 375 degree preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Cool 1 minute on pan then move to baking rack. Enjoy!
1. Hi ! I just blog hopped over here from your blog and I’m glad I did. Thanks for the cookie recipe!
by tattingchic — 11/10/08 at 12:36 am #
2. Yummm…these sound so good. Nothing better than homemade Christmas cookies. And, you are right in that you can freeze them.
Thanks for all your tips…
bj
by bj — 11/10/08 at 7:28 am #
3. Great idea to start my cards now! I always put them off too long. What would Christmas be without cookies? These look delicious:>)
by Kathy — 11/10/08 at 8:34 am #
4. Those recipe sounds delicious Penny! and thanks for the holiday tips, its so true, I get myself nutso at the end, so taking your advice is a going to be a goal of mine, “get it done early and enjoy”
and btw, I love the Red transferware in the picture with the cookies 
by Cynthia — 11/10/08 at 10:25 am #
5. Perfect timing! I just bought my cards Saturday and I’m home from work today due to the implant surgery I had 2 hours ago. I will address the envelopes and add the postage. I”m always too rushed to add a note ,but now I”ll have time. Thank you for your suggestion.
I”ll also sit back and make my holiday backing list today.
by Sandy — 11/10/08 at 11:29 am #
6. Hi, Penny. That is what I do with my Christmas cards. My grandson does the design for my cards each year, and I have them printed. I need to check in with him.
by Beverly — 11/10/08 at 2:01 pm #
7. I love doing Christmas cards! Thanks for the “early” tips.
And thanks for the cookie recipe.
Hugs,
Donna
by Donna — 11/10/08 at 2:20 pm #
8. Hi Penny, You always have something sweet to blog about. I love checking in everyday just to see what is going on. God Bless
by Patty — 11/10/08 at 5:47 pm #
9. Hi Penny!! I love your Christmas tips! I do try to get my Christmas cards done early. I always buy up some each year after Christmas when they’re on sale.
Now to these cookies…
Be a sweetie,
Shelia;)
by Shelia — 11/11/08 at 12:14 am #
10. Great idea, Penny, to start my Christmas cards now. When I’m watching TV in the evning I can get a few done every night. Thanks for the tip!
by Meggie — 11/11/08 at 12:20 am #
11. I’m trying to not get stressed out this year. Keep your fingers crossed! I’ll try writing my Christmas letter early, it’s a great idea. Mimi
by Mimi — 11/11/08 at 1:03 am #
12. I would never have thought to freeze them! Great idea
hugs,
rue
by rue — 11/11/08 at 3:52 pm #
13. What fabulous ideas for Christmas cards, and baking! You are always so creative and inspiring. Thanks you for sharing! Cheers!!
by Jackie — 11/12/08 at 7:02 pm #
14. Hi Penny!
Wonderful ideas! I sometimes send out photo cards when I know Christmas will be busy — you can have them made pre signed so all you have to do is address the envelopes. Since they are a family photo they are not as impersonal than other pre signed cards.
A good cookie recipe is always welcomed –thanks!
Pat in NY
by Pat — 11/13/08 at 3:31 pm #
15. If I email you my list will you send my cards?… I love cookies and look forward to eating some made from this recipe!!!
Robin
by Robin — 11/13/08 at 5:44 pm #
16. I always address my cards early, it’s just so much easier in Dec. to not have to worry about them. To many I do one of those ‘hated’ letters but everyone tells me that mine is so newsy…..go figure. I always do a note in handwriting on the card too.
You know, there is no reason you can’t address envelopes in March or April either because you’ve bought them after Christmas at 50% off I’m sure. Actually I buy several boxes at once and then I don’t have to worry about after the holiday sales. Just a thought!
by Susan — 11/16/08 at 9:20 pm #
17. Hi Penny
Thank you, for the cookie recipe!
Mt Christmas cards are ready to be mailed.
Now, I have more time to make Christmas cookies ~
by Penny — 11/30/08 at 5:35 pm #
18. i will try those tonight
by Crystal — 12/15/08 at 8:41 am #